Your Scrumhalf Connection - Women's Rugby Blog

A majority of the players were selected either based on their participation at several regional camps throughout 2007 or through recommendations from their coaches, although 12 athletes were chosen based on their performance at the 2007 U-19 Invitational National All-Star Championship this past November. The 51 players represent 40 rugby programs throughout 19 states.

As the program moves to U20, it becomes more college-centric. But Chivers said he does not want high school coaches to think their players don't have a shot. He points to the fact that 15 players are still in high school, and a large number now in college or clubs were first identified while in high school

The forwards selected to attend the U-20 WNT Elite Camp include:

Candace Barley (Maryville, Tenn.), Stacey Bridges (Texas A&M), Megan Buford (Univ. of Georgia), Kayla Ellingson (BYU), Gina Fanelli (Ohio State Univ.), Jozy Gessner (Summit HS, Colo.), Alexandria Hartley (Brown), Jay-Marie Hill (Stanford), Ima Isang (Oakridge, Tenn.), Mallory Ives (Colorado State), Joanna Kitlinski (Grand Valley State), Alisa Ly (Univ. of Minnesota), Adetayo Mafe (Michigan State), Kelsey Moss (Stanford), Maggie Reidy (Divine Savior, Wisc.), Brittany Rose (Westchester East, Pa.), Rachel Sommer (Canby, Ore.), Mika Underwood (Budd Bay, Wash.), Jessica Waterfield (Bowling Green), and Brittany Woodard (Hyde School, D.C.).

Backs chosen for the camp include the following:

Sadie Anderson (Fort Collins, Colo.), BrieAnna Barto (Summit, Colo.), Lorelei Boone (Ravenwood, Tenn.), Shannon Boone (Ravenwood, Tenn.), Lauren Danielsen (Summit, Colo.), Katherine Glerum (Brown), Hanna Gregor (Keystone Women), Lisa Henneman (Seattle Women), Brittany Houston (UW-Milwaukee), Brook LeGate (Maryville, Tenn.), Erin LeGate (Maryville, Tenn.), Maude Marandet (Indiana Univ.), Blaine Martin (Brown), Tyra McGrady (Indiana Univ.), Kayla Morrisoli (San Jose State), Maddie Robinson (Fort Collins, Colo.), Rachel Sachs (Syracuse), Seymira Salami (State College, Pa.), Kristen Spencer (Ball State Univ.), Marie Timm (Army), CJ Turnerdrown (Riverton, Utah), and Jessica Watkins (Stanford),

One the coaches of the University of Texas Women's Rugby Team emailed this to her team as a Rugby Word Problem. I think its a great idea (makes you learn the game!) and is fun too! Leave your answers in the comments section!

I am finally finished with school for the semester, remind me to never take classes over Winter Break again!! So look forward to more blogs on a consistent basis. Keep sending me emails and ideas and I will keep blogging!

• Canada Announce Fitness Standards
  From Women's Rugby Review
  
  **There was a lot of interest in my post about USA Rugby Women's National Team workouts, so I wanted to post some other information about fitness requirements for other National Women's Teams. I will do some research over the next few days to see if I can find more teams.
  
  Fitness standards and testing protocols have been announced for Canadian women’s national programmes as provinces and clubs nationwide will also implement these standards to improve physical fitness and performance in Canada's female athletes.
  
  Matt Barr, the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Canada's 7s and XVs teams, has witnessed considerable changes in the fitness of the national players who are now “training like athletes”, says Barr.
  
  “The athletes involved in senior national team programs have made some significant physical changes from their training in the last year. They have been very dedicated and have made impressive improvements in their strength and speed,” comments Barr.
  
  Barr describes a world-class rugby player as someone who is very fast, exceptionally strong, and can run all day. Effective training to achieve such fitness places an important emphasis on exercises such as squats, Olympic lifts and plyometrics.
  
  “It is really important that we run an effective Strength and Conditioning program in Canada. We don’t have the resources or the ability to assemble players quickly, therefore we have to be efficient in the small time that we have,” Barr explains.
  
  A current Masters student at the University of Western Ontario in Kinesiology, Barr’s knowledge and design of the specified fitness standards and targets will be crucial as our national women’s programs aim to be the fittest in the world.
  
  “I am confident that we can be world leaders in the women’s game and a big part of this will be because we have the best trained athletes in the world. I think we are well-positioned to get the athletes where we need them for the 2009 IRB World Cup of Sevens and the 2010 XVs World Cup,” concludes Barr.
  
  
• Rugby Laws a Pile of Manure
  
  Article excerpt: "The new laws: It's a bloody abomination that we have three sets of rules in place at the same time. Last weekend I took in the Super 14, which carries a few of the new rules, the Guinness Premiership, which carries no new laws, and the Varsity Cup, which carries all of the new laws. And it was like watching three different sports. The IRB and SA Rugby must take the blame for this fiasco. Have some respect for the sport you run, people!:
  
  
• Mark Bingham Rugby Cup
  
  Gay men don't like sport. Or at least that's what a lot of people think. So, imagine how surprised they're going to be this June when one of the biggest amateur sports events in the world comes to Ireland.
  
  The Bingham Cup, commonly known as the gay rugby world cup, is named after Mark Bingham, one of the men who tried to stop the hijack of Flight 93 on September 11th. Bingham played for the San Francisco Fog, the first gay rugby team to be accepted into the California Rugby League. Rest of the article is here.
  
  
• France 2007 smashed all records for attendance and TV viewers
  
  Well we all knew it was a great success but it is now official, the 2007 Rugby World Cup was a global record-breaker for the sport.
  
  The six-week tournament in France in September and October smashed all previous attendance and broadcast figures set during the Rugby World Cup’s 20-year history.
  
  More than two million people attended a Rugby World Cup for the first time, generating an average match attendance of 47,000 for the 48 fixtures. Worldwide television viewing figures also increased considerably on the previous tournament in Australia in 2003. The rest of the article here.
  
  
• Hong Kong Women's Sevens Draw Announced
  
  USA are the top seeds for the 11th Cable & Wireless Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens to be held on 27-28 March at So Kon Po Sports Ground and featuring 12 nations who will all be looking for strong performances ahead of their regional qualifiers for the first ever Rugby World Cup Sevens women’s competition in 2009.
  
  The USA will be hoping to better their Plate success in 2007 and have been drawn in Pool A with the host nation Hong Kong and the Netherlands, who return to the tournament after missing out in 2007 when Aotearoa Maori of New Zealand beat Australia 21-0 to maintain their perfect record.
  
  Kazakhstan, who lost that Plate final 26-5 to the USA, will face Fiji and Hong Kong debutants France in Pool B, the Fijiana Sevens team having last competed in the tournament’s debut year back in 1997.
  
  Pool C is an all-Asian affair with Bowl winners China paired with Thailand and Japan, while Singapore and the Arabian Gulf will meet Canada, the side narrowly beaten 21-19 by the Chinese in last year’s Bowl final.
  
  The final of the Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens will be played at the Hong Kong Stadium on 28 March at 18:42 local time during the first day of the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2008 – the fifth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.
  
  
• USA Rugby to Hold its First Women’s Referee Development Camp
  
  BOULDER, Colo. -- USA Rugby’s Referee Development Department, along with the Southern California Rugby Referee Society, officially announced today that it will be hosting its first ever women’s specific referee development camp in conjunction with the Champagne Classic, March 7-9, 2008, in San Diego, Calif.
  
  In response to the feedback gathered from the Women in Refereeing survey that was conducted last year, the camp is aimed at giving women referees from around the country the opportunity to be exposed to: team of three radio protocols, personal development planning sessions, one-on-one coaching, networking, and taking part in video analysis review.
  
  Sessions will be led by USA Rugby’s Referee Development Manager Ed Todd and National Focus Group Referee Dana Teagarden.
  
  “We received a lot of great feedback from our Women in Refereeing Survey and wanted to address some of the issues that were brought to light by the responses,” said Jennifer Gray, USA Rugby’s Match Official Administrator. “We are really excited to be working with the Southern California Rugby Referee Society to get this camp off the ground. Our goal is to expose these referees to opportunities they might not otherwise receive and get them thinking seriously about their officiating careers.”
  
  Camp attendees were recommended by their Territorial Referee Education Officer and include: Anna McMahan, Venessa McMaher, Leah Berard and Carla Cross.
  
  For more information on how you can secure funding for a development opportunity in your area, or to find out how to become involved in officiating, check out www.usarugby.org/goto/referees

While the warm weather rugby teams have been practicing for weeks, some teams haven't even started to think about rugby yet. But there is some rugby happening across the nation and it seems to be mostly collegiate teams that are active. Check out the latest in the collegiate rugby life:

• Utah rugby can't keep up with No. 1 Cal
  
  In a clash between two titans of collegiate rugby on Saturday, No. 1 ranked California-Berkeley proved to be too much for No. 6 Utah in San Francisco, winning 37-3.
  
  The short-handed Scrummin' Utes managed to hold UC Berkeley to 13 points below their season average, but the Golden Bears, who also played without a dozen of their own, still had plenty of firepower.
  
  UC Berkeley's Kyle Balough, Paul Jesseman, Jason Law and Pat King each scored a try to give their club its 14th win of the season. Utah dropped to 5-2.
  
  Despite being handed their worst loss of the season, head coach Dave Anderson was pleased with his team's effort, given the absences of key Utes. Utah fell behind 20-0 at halftime, but was able to keep the potent Golden Bear offense in relative check for the second half.
  
  Utah scored its only three points off of a penalty kick early in the second half.
  
  The Utes will host Weber State this Saturday for its home-opener at 1 p.m. on Fort Douglas Stillwell Field.
  
  
• U. Virginia women aim for Sweet 16 tourney
  
  Charlottesville, VA (UWIRE) -- The women playing rugby games at Mad Bowl Saturdays at the University of Virginia are the athletes of the women's club rugby team. They play games every Saturday in the fall and spring and are currently gearing up to play a home match against Maryland that will go a long way toward determining whether the team will make it to their league's Sweet 16 Tournament.
  
  Senior scrum half Emily Shiflett said the team is confident it will achieve victory against Maryland.
  
  Virginia is home to one of the best women's rugby teams in the nation. The team is a part of the Virginia Rugby Union, which is part of the larger Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union that includes 37 men's and women's teams. The spring season, according to Virginia coach Nancy Kechner, is the national season. There are seven regions in the entire country, and since MARFU is the most competitive league, it sends four teams to the Sweet 16 competition.
  
  If Virginia, currently ranked third in the nation, makes it to the Sweet 16 competition this year, it will be the Cavaliers' ninth appearance. Read the rest of the article here.
  
  
• Stanford Rugby, Women's Team Loses
  
  The women's rugby team also played Saturday, as they faced Stanford. The women's game was much different than the men's.
  
  Stanford is a perennial powerhouse in women's rugby and is consistently ranked in the top five nationally. While Chico State defeated Stanford last year, the Cardinal would not let its rivals enjoy victory again.
  
  Stanford forced the Wildcats to play from behind. The Cardinal led Chico State 36-7 at halftime.
  
  "We weren't playing our game, we made too many mental mistakes," player Ashley Bocast said.
  
  After regrouping at halftime, the Wildcats tightened their defense and cleaned their offense. The 'Cats made the match competitive in the second half and outscored the Cardinal 12-7.
  
  Jennifer Madison scored off a penalty on Chico State's opening drive of the second half. The score gave the Wildcats momentum and created a close match.
  
  Flyhalf Gina Cainiello had an excellent game. Cainiello received the 'back of the game' award from coaches Alex and Mary Triantafyllou.
  
  "Gina played incredible defense, she deserved the award," Bocast said.
  
  The loss evens the Wildcats' league record at 1-1, and they hope to see their biggest rival again in the playoffs.
  
  "We showed our potential out there definitely," Bocast said. "We will be looking forward to playing them again."
  
  
• Ready to Rumble: The Women of Oxy Rugby
  
  The women's rugby season started on Jan. 27 with a narrow loss against Claremont McKenna. The next match against Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on Feb. 3 was also lost by a small margin. However, the enthusiasm stemming from the younger, newer players is promising to overcome some of the difficulties the team has suffered with the loss of older players.
  
  "As of this past week, we have gained some valuable rookies and are slowly, but surely, starting to form a strong team," player Danielle Siegler (first-year) said. "It is difficult to achieve fluidity between our forward and back line and that is exactly what we did [in our first match against Claremont McKenna]."
  
  Lisa Mikesell (senior) said that many talented players graduated last spring, which has had a big impact on the team as a whole. "We have a lot of new people who are excited about learning the game and are picking things up pretty well," Mikesell said. "There's still a core of really dedicated people, but I feel like the rest of the campus doesn't know we have a women's rugby team, has no idea what rugby is, or both. If they came out for a few practices and a game or two, they would see how fun it is. While at first rugby looks like a bunch of people running around and falling into piles, it's amazing how much skill and technique is involved." Click here for the rest of the article.
  
  
• For filmmaker Amanda Micheli, a crown of her own?
  
  Article excerpt: "I just wanted to tell stories with the camera," says Micheli, who, oh by the way, was also an All-American women's rugby player who later joined the U.S. women's team. She nearly played in the Women's Rugby World Cup until three ACL tears kept her from competing.
  
  
• Brown Women's Rugby Needs Green to get Gold
  
  The women's rugby team qualified for a shot at the national championship for the second straight year - but winning games has been only half the battle. Faced with a tight budget, the club team is struggling to raise money to fund itself for the postseason.
  
  The team has been trying to find a way to get enough money to attend the rugby Sweet 16 in Albuquerque, N.M., which will take place April 18 to April 20. If the squad advances after that weekend, it will have to find a way to return to the West Coast two weeks later for the sport's Final Four.
  
  As a club sport, women's rugby is organized differently from varsity sports. The team receives a yearly budget of $20,000 from the Department of Athletics, but the athletes are not recruited and the coaches volunteer their time.
  
  The team has had difficulty obtaining extra money to go to the USA Rugby National Guard Division I Women's College Playoffs and Championships, said team president Kalie Gold '08, who plays scrumhalf and wing. Click here for the rest of the article.
  
  
• West LAU U-23 Tournament in Kansas City, KS Mar 1-2, 2008
  
  Saturday March 1st
  9:00am Heart of America vs. Texas Rugby Union
  11:00am Eastern Rockies Rugby Football Union vs. Mid West
  1:00pm Heart of America vs. Eastern Rockies Rugby Football Union
  
  Sunday March 2nd
  10:00am Eastern Rockies Rugby Football Union vs. Texas Rugby Union
  12:00pm Heart of America vs. Mid West

Coming to your LIVE from Austin, TX...lots of youth rugby musing on the web these days. I know that my generation and the generation would have loved to play rugby when we were in our youth. To those of you who were able to and currently play, you are so very lucky!

• TRU High School Elite Schedule
  
  The TRU Elite Coaching Staff would like to announce the dates for the Elite Youth Try Outs for U 17 and U 19.
  
  South U 17 and U 19 Elite Try Outs will be held on Sunday March 16.
  North U 17 and U 19 Elite Try Outs will be held on Sunday April 13.
  
  Both locations to be determined but we are looking at securing locations for the South - Woodlands and the North - Lake Highlands Park, Dallas.
  
  If you have any questions or comments, please see the TRU website for contacts and contact information.
  
  
• Oklahoma Silly Booger
  
  **In Oklahoma touch rugby is called Booger, don't ask me why...but it just is, here is a letter encouraging families to bring their kids out to silly booger (touch rugby). It is awesome and I loved playing silly booger all through the summer and pre-season.
  
  Rugby Ravers:
  
  Please don’t hold me to an ongoing rave as in days past, but I felt compelled to rave about one of the greatest rugby events of all times. Yep, no hyperbole here. Greater than when William Webb Ellis picked up the soccer ball and ran with great disregard for the game, greater than Frank Sunshine Kumps try of the century against Little Rock to win the Sunsplash with the assistance of 8 other OU Ruggers as immortalized on video tape. Greater than any World Cup Championship to date.
  
  Wow, what a buildup. What could be so great? Parent-child silly booger. Yep, better than any backyard catch that kids and parents alike hold onto to define that unbreakable bond. Better than Daddy-Daughter Dance. Parent-Child silly booger is the coolest of cool. And it has erupted in Norman.
  
  Yesterday on a brilliant spring in the middle of winter break, 11* kids of both genders and their dads participated in an historic event. *Jesse Hall actually carried his toddler Marley on his hip while playing.
  
  Yes we have had kids booger before, we have had a few dads play with kids before, but not this, not to this extent. Each kid had a dad. Only kids could score. We played for hours. Further, this could spread, Tarzan has two grandkids who have played before, Yancey Redcorn and Carrot have brought their kids out.
  
  We still haven’t played with Millington’s or the DT. We haven’t had Roses and their kids , the Team that is, not the family as Hans Rose played with both his kids, Emma and Tim. We did get Dads and sons where neither had played join in. What a cool game to start with your kid.
  
  Just think what this could lead to. Tyson Meek played Silly booger with us when he was 11 and because of sole event, went on to be a pro rugby player and play for the Eagles. We have kids as young as 7 out there now. Based on actual logical reasoning they are shoe ins for All-World honors and America is guaranteed a World Cup Championship.
  
  So bring a kid, even if it ain’t yours.**
  
  ** Please get permission though. We will not accept kidnapping for the sake of participating in the greatest parent-child event in the world.
  
  
• Upcoming Youth & High School Events from the USA Rugby Youth Rugby Digest
  
  Jesuit Dallas Rugby Showdown - March 8-9th, 2008 - Anthony Mattachione - amattacchione@jesuitcp.org - http://www.jesuitcp.org/athletics/rugbynew/rugbymain.html
  
  Hawaii Youth Rugby Waikiki Youth Tournament - March 7-8th, 2008 &
  Hawaii Youth Rugby Maui Tournament - March 14-15th, 2008 - Kevin Perry - kevin@hawaiiyouthrugby.com - www.hawaiiyouthrugby.org
  
  Carolina High School Rugby Festival - March 8-9th, 2008 - Paul Maxwell - carolinayouthrugby@yahoo.com
  
  Fullerton Youth Rugby High School International Invitational - March 22 & 23rd, 2008 - Ravi Perera - fullertonyouthrugby@yahoo.com - www.highschoolrugbytournament.com
  
  ERugbyNews Cup - April 6, 2008 - Alex Goff - steelheads@buddbayrugby.com
  
  Northwest Challenge Cup - April 5, 2008 - Otsego, MN - Dave Sheperdson - djs@phenet.net - www.rrrfc.com
  
  Midwest U-19 Girls Challenge - April 12-13th, 2008 - Phil Kaser - pkaser13@aol.com - www.desmoinesrugby.com
  
  Big Apple Classic - April 26, 2008 - Cameron Sinclair - camoo3@hotmail.com - www.newyorkrugby.com
  
  4th Annual Pacific Coast Invitational Tournament - Presented by Pac Coast RFU - May 10-11th, 2008 - Steuber Rugby Stadium Ray Schwartz - vanillagorillaray@sbcglobal.net
  
  Youth Jersey Cup - May 17, 2008 - Denville, NJ & American Flag Rugby Festival - July 26, 2008 - Morris RFC - Tom Feury - tomfeury@optonline.net - www.morrisrugby.org
  
  Fourth Annual LAU All-Star Rugby Challenge Cup - Presented by Potomac Rugby Foundation - June 21-22nd, 2008 - Founders Field - Pittsburgh, PA - Kurt Mockenhaupt - rugbyfoundation@msn.com
  
  Great Lakes High School 7s - July 13, 2008 - Chicago Blaze RFC - Lemont, IL - Nolan Day - twoday@sbcglobal.net - www.chicagoblazerugby.com
  
  Looking for a free way to promote your tournament or local event? Submit information for publication in the YDN digest via this link at www.usarugby.org/goto/YDN_Event_Entry. Entries will also be posted to the Youth & High School events calendar. Help us grow the list of current events today!

Woohoo for good progress and big leg muscles!!!

Wave to me if you see me out jogging with Jake!

**UPDATE: I just noticed that this is my 500th post! Congratulations to Your Scrumhalf Connection and to my new ACL!

So I heard about this video the other day from a teammate and then found it across the web on various rugby blogs. It is certainly an interesting video with plenty of stereotypes...basically it’s a quiet bar and then the LOUD rugby players come busting in and start causing a ruckus. There are a few other people in the bar and they are highly annoyed by this disturbance.

Drinks start flowing and then one of the two women who are surrounded by the loud rugby players receives a call on her Bluetooth. The point of the commercial is that as soon as she plugs the Bluetooth into her ear, everything goes silent and she hears the crystal clear phone conversation. Unbeknownst to her though , there are two men kissing behind her.

Some of the controversies are that Todd Clever and Dan Payne (USA Rugby members and players) are in the video. Some of the controversy is because it is two men kissing. Some of the controversy is the stereotyping of men rugby players. Even more of the controversy is the effect this video will have on youth...etc etc etc...what are your thoughts?

And no I will not be providing the video for your viewing, use half a brain and find it on Youtube, it has almost 100,000 views.

For those of you that know about my Notre Dame obsession...this article goes without saying. For those of you that don't...I would have DIED to attend Notre Dame and would have even died more to play on a Notre Dame rugby team. Just something about the tradition, heart and that place that just gets me.

I actually sell a Notre Dame Rugby (not official) shirt on my Zazzle website, check it out here: http://www.zazzle.com/ScooterWE/product/235495357359291340

I wanted it to be simple and strong just like the Irish. Go Fighting Irish!

Notre Dame frosh given tall order
from Gainline.us by Kurt Oeler

Notre Dame's current freshmen are expected to lead the Fighting Irish in next fall's first division debut, despite having yet to play their first collegiate match.

The youngsters' assignment may be an interesting case study concerning the potential of varsity athletes in American rugby.

Two-thirds of the first-year players bring previous rugby experience, and all of them carry a high school varsity pedigree, according to coach Sean O'Leary. But four of Notre Dame's five Midwest East division rivals -- Bowling Green, Indiana, Ohio State, and Purdue -- reached the national playoffs during the decade when the 'Outside Irish' were banned from the South Bend, Indiana, school.

'The seniors got this team back on campus, but this group is driven by the frosh,' O'Leary said. 'You can tell they're all varsity high school players. They expect to be pushed hard and face challenges.'

Notre Dame's preseason roster has jumped to 60 from 20 a year ago, when the rugby club was restored to campus. O'Leary is the USA Under 18 coach and several of his players were in the U19 squad which lost to Canada U20 'A' this past weekend.

Ambitions of recovering glories from the mid-1960s to the mid-70s are fueled in part by the sport's growth at the parochial high schools which traditionally feed Notre Dame. The club also is enjoying a new endowment.

Notre Dame's opener is against Ball State on March 1, and the spring calendar includes the Boilermakers and the Hoosiers before an April 19 date with Ohio State.

Canada U20 downed USA U20 19-14 on Saturday. The Maple Leafs have downed America's senior-most age-grade side five times in succession, dating back to 2004.

I have been seriously slack on the Six Nations Update and I apologize. Here are some tidbits I have found this afternoon (the motivation to work is seriously lacking as well).

Date	Time	Home	Score	Away	Venue	TV/Attend
Fri 1st Feb 08	14:40	Ireland Women	19-0	Italy Women	St Marys RFC, Dublin
Sat 2nd Feb 08	14:30	England Women	55-0	Wales Women	London Irish Amateur RFC, Middlesex
Sun 3rd Feb 08	12:00	Scotland Women	15-43	France Women	Meggetland Stadium, Edinburgh
Sat 9th Feb 08	14:30	Italy Women	6-76	England Women	Stadio Tre Fontane, Rome
Sun 10th Feb 08	13:00	Wales Women	23-6	Scotland Women	Taffs Wells RFC, Cardiff
Sun 10th Feb 08	15:00	France Women	26-17	Ireland Women	St Gratien, nr Paris
Fri 22nd Feb 08	18:00	Ireland Women	v	Scotland Women	St Marys RFC, Dublin
Sat 23rd Feb 08	16:00	France Women	v	England Women	Bergerac, nr Agen
Sun 24th Feb 08	13:00	Wales Women	v	Italy Women	Taffs Wells RFC, Cardiff
Fri 7th Mar 08	19:30	Ireland Women	v	Wales Women	St Marys RFC, Dublin
Sat 8th Mar 08	12:00	Scotland Women	v	England Women	Meggetland Stadium, Edinburgh
Sat 8th Mar 08	16:00	France Women	v	Italy Women	Stade Pompidou, Valence, nr Lyon
Sat 15th Mar 08	13:00	Wales Women	v	France Women	Taffs Wells, Cardiff
Sat 15th Mar 08	16:45	England Women	v	Ireland Women	London Irish Amateur RFC, Middlesex
Sun 16th Mar 08	14:30	Italy Women	v	Scotland Women	Stadio Comunale, Mira, nr Venice

England vs Wales High-lights Video:



Scotland vs France High-lights Video:


England vs Italy High-lights Video:

So K Train had written a blog about checking herself against the Fitness Standards of the PTB's (powers that be). And I thought to myself...I need to do this as well! Unfortunately mine is not complete as I haven't been able to do any of the heavy leg lifting or running since the ACL (and before bc of major pain and weakness...haha I had no ACL!) but I thought it would be interesting anyways.

Here is my little chart:


So while the downtime from rugby really is getting hard, at least I can get in the gym and start really progressing towards my fitness goals and the PTBs as well. The team practices on Mon/Wed now and I hit the gym that day as well. I also have Physical Therapy on Tues/Thurs, so I am getting 4 if not 5 days at the gym a week now. Of course most of the focus is on getting the strength back in my knee/leg, but I dedicate at least four hours a week to the Eagle workouts.

Since before moving to Austin I only hit the gym about once a week (Yea Tarzan's garage gym!!) and was a big advocate of outdoor training. I am still a big advocate of outdoor training (use your elements!) but have been trying to get into the gym more for weight training. Right now I am doing about an hour and a half on Mon/Wed in the gym and PT usually runs about an hour and fifteen minutes. I wish I had more time to spend in the gym, but school, work and rugby (I still go to practice to help out) eat up a lot of my time.

However, I plan on being stronger than ever when I come back in June, July or August (the date is still up in the air at this point). Soon I will be able to begin jogging and actually moving faster than a brisk walk. I cannot WAIT for that day, I am so tired of walking!!! I want to run, jump...be free!

So here's to you sweating it away in the gym, working out outside/inside...whatever works for you, just keep moving!

from Put Me in Coach

Amy Daniels- Beantown RFC, Boston MA (NE TU)

Last night was the first real contact, tackling, full-body practice the Valkyries have had. We are preparing for our first match of the 2008 season, which is this weekend. The Valks will be playing against the Texas Rugby Union U23 Team (roster at the bottom of this post here) on Sunday, February 17, 2008.

Even though I can't practice, the pace, intensity and heart at practice was enough to make my heart swell. It is hard to stand on the sidelines and observer with a good word every once and awhile...ok its really hard and it sucks. However, I am still going to the gym every week and am working my hardest to come back at 110% in May, June or July...whichever month the Gods bless me with.

Some good rugby tidbits have been flowing in all week, check 'em out:

• Sportable.com's Perspective on IRB 7s in San Diego
  
  Sportable Video: IRB Sevens Rugby Field Transformation
  LIVE Blog: IRB USA Sevens Rugby Tournament at Petco Park
  Wrapping Up Day 1 of the IRB USA Sevens
  LIVE Blog: Day 2 of IRB USA Sevens Rugby Tournament at Petco Park
  Wrapping up the 2008 IRB Sevens
  
  
• London to Host 2009 Gay Rugby Cup
  
  East London rugby club Kings Cross Steelers have won the right to host the 2009 European gay rugby Union Cup.
  
  The Steelers are the current champions and will welcome more than 17 teams in May next year.
  
  Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, said: "The tournament will provide a platform to introduce lesbian and gay sport to new audiences."
  
  The first Union Cup was held in 2005 in Montpellier, France and then in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2007.
  
  Steelers events manager Neil Pyper said: "As the world's first gay rugby team, now in our 13th year, we are eager to encourage new and experienced teams alike, and look forward to inviting European gay rugby teams to come to our great city next year."
  
  The tournament will be held on 22 and 23 May 2009, at the club's West Ham ground.
  
  The Steelers were the world's first gay rugby club when they formed in 1995.
  
  
• Blog from the Wales camp: Caroline Morgan
  
  Caroline Morgan, Personal Assistant to the Welsh Rugby Team and Management, gives an insight into her job and life within the Welsh camp.
  
  Although, coming into work this Monday was a pleasure after the result on the weekend.
  
  Mood has been good in camp but everyone has their feet firmly on the ground and understands the task in hand – last year’s loss in Murrayfield, not to mention the World Cup, is still at the back of everyone’s minds and there’s no hint of complacency.
  
  So, a bit about my role: Basically it's making sure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes for the players and back room staff, anything from ensuring that everyone is where they should be, wearing the right clothes to making sure there’s enough milk for the morning coffee! I’d like to think I’m the older sister but unfortunately I'm known as their other mother!
  
  This week has seen an upsurge in emails and telephone calls, anything from people wanting things signed to just general congratulations for last week’s game and good luck for this week. But some people just don’t realize how busy it is here – and ring or email with the strangest of queries e.g. – why does James Hook throw a blade of grass in the air before he kicks? I do my best to answer all queries, but some are above and beyond the call of duty!
  
  And the answer is – he used to do when he first started playing to see which way the wind was blowing – now it’s just a habit!
  
  I also got a quite nasty email from someone complaining that the players’ weren’t singing the anthem on Saturday – I had a quick scan through the video and from what I could see it was only Adam at one stage – I believe Adam must have been overcome with emotion as he always sings it. And Ryan of course – who has taken some stick for blubbing all the way through it – some people will do anything for attention!
  
  Much as we demand them to sing, emotion does take over (I can’t even begin to imagine what it must feel like to be standing there in front of a full house singing the best anthem in the world)!
  
  So it’s the day before a big game, any last minute hitches have to be ironed out. Has everyone had their tickets? Do their partners know what time the bus is leaving? Has everyone ironed their shirts? Check bus, check meals, check hotel rooms, check the players not selected for this weekend are ok? You get the gist!
  
  So far today I’ve had two mothers on the phone sorting out their son’s tickets for them! Yes, they really are like children and need a nudge sometimes!
  
  And yes I get nervous before games – like everyone, I live every pass, kick, tackle, share the highs and the lows (and there’s been more than my share of those!) but boy those highs are well worth it.
  
  Here’s hoping to a win today – my job doesn’t change win, lose or draw, but a win certainly helps (if only to stop the horrible emails!)
  
  **I thought this article was a really cool insight to the inner workings of a professional rugby team.
  
  
• 2nd Annual Roughtstock 10's Tournament
  
  Hey can you post something about our Womens 10's Rugby Tournament?
  
  Boulder Babes Rugby Club is excited to announce the second annual Roughstock 10s tournament in Boulder, CO! The event invites women's teams to play on Saturday, May 17th. After the tournament will be a night on the town kicking it off with a Flip Cup Tournament!
  
  And thanks for putting it on your calendar. You guys wanna come? http://roughstock10.blogspot.com/
  
  Thanks,
  Christina
  
  **I've never played 10's...from watching it on TV and the Internet it looks really different.
  
  
• England agree new kit deal
  
  England have agreed a new four-year contract with kit provider Nike.
  
  The Rugby Football Union announced the deal on Tuesday, with Nike responsible for all team wear for England's representative sides and their management until 2012.
  
  For the first time the contract has been extended to include the England women's team.
  
  RFU business operations director Paul Vaughan said: "Since 1997 we've enjoyed an excellent relationship with Nike.
  
  "Throughout that time their commitment to quality and the level of technological innovation they bring to player performance through design and material has been second to none.
  
  "An example of this has been in the development of tighter-fitting shirts, which have now been adopted as standard in world rugby."
  
  **Couldn't find any images of the new jersey, will definitely have to keep my eyes peeled for it!

From WomenEagles.com

2.8.08 - The Women's National 7s Team went 4-0 to win the San Diego Invitational with wins over South Africa, Canada "A", Canadian Interuniversity Sport, and in the finals, Canada Senior.

US vs South Africa
In their first match, the Women Eagles defeated South Africa, 21-7. Scoring for the Women Eagles in the South Africa match were Amy Daniels with one try and Jen Starkey with 2 tries and all three conversions. The US roster for the South Africa match was:

1. Amy Daniels
2. Ellie Karvoski
3. Pam Kosanke
4. Teena Maestrangelo
5. Alison Price
6. Christy Ringgenberg
7. Jen Starkey
Substitutes
8. Donna Thomas
9. JoAnne Ward

US vs Canada "A"
The Women Eagles then shut out Canada "A" 24-0. The half time score was 5-0 despite losing Christy Ringgenberg due to a sin bin call. The second half was all US with 3 more tries scored. Scoring for the US was: Ellie Karvoski (1 try), Jen Starkey (1 try), Kelly White (1 try) and Pam Kosanke (1 try, 2 conversions). The US roster for the Canada "A" match was:

1. Tyshawn Henry
2. Ellie Karvoski
3. Teena Maestrangelo
4. Christy Ringgenberg
5. Jen Starkey
6. Kitt Wagner
7. Kelly White
Substitutes:
8. Pam Kosanke
9. Alison Price
10. JoAnne Ward

Semi-Final: US vs Canada Interuniversity Sport
In the semi-final, the Women Eagles defeated Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) with another shut-out 15-0. Scoring for the US was, Amy Daniels (1 try) and Jen Starkey (2 tries). The roster for the CIS match was:

1. Amy Daniels
2. Tyshawn Henry
3. Ellie Karvoski
4. Teena Maestrangelo
5. Alison Price
6. Christy Ringgenberg
7. Jen Starkey
Substitutes:
8. Pam Kosanke
9. Donna Thomas
10. Kitt Wagner

Final: US vs Canada
In the final, the US defeated the Senior Canada side 19-5. The US gave up an early try but controlled the rest of the match with scoring for the US by Pam Kosanke (2 conversions), Teena Maestrangelo (1 try), Jen Starkey (1 try), and JoAnne Ward (1 try). The US roster for the match was:

1. Amy Daniels
2. Ellie Karvoski
3. Pam Kosanke
4. Teena Maestrangelo
5. Alison Price
6. Christy Ringgenberg
7. Jen Starkey
Substitutes:
8. Tyshawn Henry
9. JoAnne Ward
10. Kelly White

Other scores from pool play:
USA Developmental 0 - Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) 15
USA Developmental 10 - Canada 22

**I recently signed up for Setanta Broadband so I could start watching more International Rugby matches and National Rugby Matches but have been pretty disappointed in the local matches. Setanta sent out that email boasting that they would be showing several games from San Diego 7s and it appears that they are only showing two. Very disappointing, would have LOVED to watch one of the Women's Matches.

2.4.08 - The participating teams for the San Diego International 7s tournament have been split into pools and the schedule has been finalized. In addition, an international match will be played on the main field at PETCO park featuring USA and South Africa. The match will kick off Sunday morning at 9:30 am and is the only chance to catch a women's match at this year's prestigious US Sevens. The pools and seedings are below:

Pool A:
1/1 Canada
2/4 USA A
3/6 Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) All-Star Team

Pool B:
1/2 USA
2/3 Canada A
3/5 South Africa

Tournament Schedule Friday, February 8, 2008 Location: Robb Fields, San Diego, CA.
9:00 AM	South Africa vs. Canada A
9:20 AM	CIS vs. USA A
10:20 AM	USA vs. South Africa
10:40 AM	Canada vs. CIS
11:40 AM	USA vs. Canada A
12:00 PM	Canada vs. USA A
Semi-Finals
1:30 PM	A #1 vs. B #2
1:50 PM	B #1 vs. A #2
2:10 PM	A #3 vs. B #3 for 5th/6th Place
Finals
3:10 PM	3rd/4th Place Match
3:30 PM	1st/2nd Place Match
Exhibition Match Sunday, February 10, 2008 Location: PETCO Park, San Diego, CA
9:30 AM	USA vs. South Africa

For more information on the San Diego Invitational tournament and the International Women's competition, visit www.usasevens.com/invitational.php

It is Super Tuesday! I have been visiting CNN, MSNBC and FOX all morning in anticipation of the results that will be posted tonight. This race is one of the most exciting events in my short life! The candidate that comes out of this war will be in for a challenge to say the least!

Not a political post today I promise, in fact here is some Rugby Here & There:

• Scrummaging clinic at James Madison University
  
  The MARFU U23 Head Coach, Lisa Rosen, will be conducting a scrummaging clinic on Sunday, Feb 10th at James Madison University. Registration will be at 9:45 AM; the clinic will start at 10 AM and go until 2 PM. This clinic will be open to all female U23 and U19 players.
  
  This scrummaging clinic will cover a variety of areas - core strength, balance, agility and strength for scrummaging, specific roles of the 8, 2, and flankers, pre-engagement setup, engagement and post engagement techniques, application of pressure, and secondary drive. Groups that advance quickly will have an opportunity to work on wheeling and channeling techniques. Coaches and player-coaches are strongly encouraged to attend.
  
  The methods and the communication system introduced is the same that will be used with the MARFU U23 side, so players with those aspirations (1-8) will benefit tremendously from attendance.
  
  Players are asked to donate $5 each to cover the cost of travel/equipment - if this is an issue please contact Lisa directly. If a team brings their entire pack and numbers permit, we will be happy to train you as a unit.
  
  Assisting Lisa will be several USA Women's National Team pool players and MARFU Senior Select Side players, all fully trained in the techniques we will be teaching you.
  
  If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Roshna Wunderlich wunderre@jmu.edu or Lisa Rosen - coachingrugby@gmail.com. Coaches with questions, please contact Lisa directly.
  
  
• AWESOME Rugby Photos by Jim Cayer
  
  Found these via my Google Alerts. Make sure to check them out!
  
  
• Rugby News From Setanta Sports
  
  Setanta Sports Inc and USA Rugby announced the renewal of their official partnership. Under the terms of the agreement Setanta will continue as a sponsor of the USA Eagles men's national team with both parties contributing to a range of activities and initiatives in support of the rapid growth of rugby across the country. In 2008 Setanta will broadcast all home appearances by the US Eagles men's national 15 and 7-a-side teams.
  
  In the more immediate future Setanta also announced that they will be the exclusive live US broadcaster of the forthcoming San Diego leg of the IRB World 7s series. The 7s tournament, which is anticipating a record attendance, will take place in Petco Park, San Diego on the 9th and 10th of February.
  
  Setanta will serve as the broadcaster of the 2008 Churchill Cup which will be played in USA & Canada between June 7th & 21st and features national teams of USA, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland and Argentina.
  
  Setanta will be the broadcaster and sponsor of the Setanta Challenge series to be played in August, featuring the US Eagles and two of Europe's top professional teams.
  
  
• Jonny Wilkinson - I will be the animal I always am
  
  Ok, if you don’t follow Rugby - then Jonny Wilkinson (Celebrity Rugby Player) may be NEW to you - but if you live in the UK and in particular England and have any interest in Rugby you will enjoy this video.
  
  I just love the way that Jonny says “I will be the animal I always am” - not many sports stars get to say that!
  
  Exclusive footage of Jonny Wilkinson from behind the scenes at a recent photoshoot. The British rugby hero speaks out about the squad’s surprisingly successful World Cup campaign last year and how England can build on these performances for the 2008 6 Nations tournament.
  
  
• Rugby Imports Valentine's Day Gift Packs for Women
  
  Women's Gift Pack I
  Includes periwinkle Women's Rugby long-sleeve t-shirt, sky/navy Women's Rugby Cap, gold Rugby Ball Necklace, bumper sticker "A Woman's Place is in the Maul", and Comfort Sling Bag. Our Price: $ 25
  
  Women's Gift Pack II
  Includes Comfort Rugby Ball Pillowcase, white/scarlet Ruck Me? Ruck You! short-sleeve t-shirt, pink RWC Sandwich Cap, RWC stress ball, bumper sticker "A Woman's Place is in the Maul", and Comfort Sling Bag. Our Price: $ 50
  
  Women's Gift Pack III
  Includes Comfort Fleece Blanket, Comfort Pillowcase, white Happiness is a Good Ruck Women's short-sleeve t-shirt, pink RWC Sandwich Cap, RWC stress ball, bumper sticker "A Woman's Place is in the Maul", and Comfort Sling Bag. Our Price: $ 75
  
  **I just thought this was really cute, they also have gift packs for Men too!
  
  
• USA Rugby, National Guard Announces the 300 Collegiate Teams Awarded Free Kit
  
  Albright College PA 3
  Allegheny College PA 2
  American University Wash DC 1
  Ashland University OH 3
  Ball State University IN 2
  Bates University ME 2
  Bentley College MA 3
  Bloomsburg University PA 2
  Boston College MA 2
  Bowdoin College ME 2
  Bryn-Mawr College PA 3
  Clemson University SC 1
  Colby-Sawyer College NH 3
  College of Charleston SC 2
  Cornell University NY 1
  Drew University NJ 3
  Franklin & Marshall College PA 2
  George Washington University MD 2
  Gettysburg College PA 4
  Grove City College PA 3
  Gustavus Adolphus College MN 2
  Indiana University IN 1
  James Madison University VA 1
  Lafayette College PA 2
  Lebanon Valley College PA 2
  Lehigh University PA 2
  Lock Haven University PA 2
  Michigan State University MI 2
  Middle TN State TN 2
  Middlebury College VT 2
  Millersville University PA 2
  Muhlenberg College PA 3
  New Mexico State University NM 1
  Northeastern University MA 2
  Norwich University VT 2
  Ohio State University OH 1
  Saint Michael's College VT 3
  Shippensburg University PA 2
  SUNY Brockport NY 2
  SUNY Geneseo NY 2
  Swarthmore College PA 2
  Syracuse University NY 1
  Texas A&M University TX 1
  Texas State University TX 2
  Texas Tech University TX 2
  The Citadel SC 2
  The College of New Jersey NJ 2
  Tufts University MA 2
  University of Dayton OH 2
  University of Illinois IL 2
  University of Kentucky KY 2
  University of Mary Washington VA 2
  University of Massachusetts-Amherst MA 2
  University of Minnesota - Duluth MN 2
  University of Pennsylvania PA 2
  University of Rhode Island RI 2
  University of South Carolina SC 2
  University of South Dakota SD 2
  University of Southern Mississippi MS 2
  University of Utah UT 1
  University of Virginia VA 1
  University of Wisconsin - River Falls WI 2
  University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire WI 2
  University of Wisconsin-La Crosse WI 2
  University of Wisconsin-Madison WI 2
  University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee WI 2
  University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point WI 2
  University of Wisconsin-Whitewater WI 2
  Ursinus College PA 2
  Utah State University UT 2
  Virgina Tech University VA 1
  Washington University in St Louis MO 2
  Wayne State College NE 2
  Western Oregon University OR 2
  Windener University PA 3
  Winona State University MN 2
  Worcester Polytechnical Institute MA 2
  York College of Pennsylvania PA 2
  
  Territorial Womens Collegiate All-Star Teams
  Mid Atlantic Sharks
  Midwest Thunderbirds
  Northeast Nessies
  Pacific Coast Grizzlies
  South Panthers
  Southern California Griffins
  West Mustangs
  
  **85 Kits were given to Women's Teams, 215 to Men's teams...
  
  
• TRU U-23 Women's Team - Tryouts and 2008 Team
  
  50 girls attended the Texas Rugby Union (TRU) U-23 women's team tryouts on Jan 26th and 27th in Austin, Texas. The weather was sunny and warm as the players from Rice, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Texas State, the University of Texas and the Austin Valkyries competed for the 28 spots on the team. After a grueling weekend of drills and scrimmages on a muddy pitch, the following women were chosen for the 2008 TRU U-23 team:
  
  Forwards
  Alicia Shingleton (Texas Tech)
  Sierra Smith (At Large)
  Stephanie Dvorak (Texas A&M)
  Rebecca DeMoor (Texas A&M)
  Alex McCarthy (Austin Valkyries)
  Becky Downey (Texas Tech)
  Lauren Hicks (Texas Tech)
  Lauren Sharp (Texas A&M)
  Amy Borchardt (Texas Tech)
  Molly Goldstein (Rice)
  Anneke Brand (Texas Tech)
  MJ Bollinger (UT)
  Rinske Brand (Texas Tech)
  Monika Morales (Texas A&M)
  Megan Hermance (Rice)
  
  Backs
  Christyn Chapa (Texas Tech)
  Hillary Wells (Texas A&M)
  Lindsey Homan (Texas Tech)
  Mary Mason (UT)
  Penny Yo (Texas Tech)
  Erin Wood (Texas A&M)
  Betsy Bryant (Texas A&M)
  Maddie Morris (Texas Tech)
  Megan Schneider (Rice)
  Ana Aguilar (UT)
  Allison Lee (UT)
  Heather Hill (Texas State)
  Katie Metkus (UT)
  
  The TRU U-23 women's team will play a warm-up game against the Austin Valkyries on Sunday Feb 17th and will compete in the LAU U-23 tournament on March 1st and 2nd in Kansas City, MO.

Dear Wendy,

Our editors recently reviewed your blog and have given it an 8.6 score out of (10). Your blog is currently in the top ten in the Sports/Rugby category of Blogged.com. This is quite an achievement! http://www.blogged.com/directory/sports/rugby

We evaluated your blog based on the following criteria: Frequency of Updates, Relevance of Content, Site Design, and Writing Style.

After carefully reviewing each of these criteria, your site was given its 8.6 score. Please accept my congratulations on a blog well-done!

Sincerely,
Andres Lopez

**I am super excited to be included along with Blood and Mud, Scrumbag, RugbyDump, The Rugby Blog, Rugby Rewind, Green and Gold Rugby aothers...congrats to all!